📖 Biblical Definition
Simon the Leper was a resident of Bethany at whose house Christ was anointed by Mary of Bethany shortly before the Passion (Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9). The text does not say whether he was a former leper Christ had healed (no leper would have lived in society or hosted a banquet under Levitical law) or whether the name had been retained from a prior identification. The likely answer: Christ had healed him, but the nickname stuck — a permanent memorial of grace. At the meal Mary broke an alabaster box of very precious spikenard and poured it on Christ’s head; some objected at the waste; Christ defended her: "She is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached... this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her".
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Bethany resident at whose house Mary anointed Christ's feet (Mt 26:6, Mk 14:3); presumably a healed leper.
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Mt 26:6-13 and Mk 14:3-9 record the dinner at his house. The same anointing event is recorded in Jn 12:1-8 at the home of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. Possible identifications: Simon was Lazarus's father; or two distinct dinners; or one dinner at the joint home.
Most natural reading: he was once a leper (the title the leper identifies his past condition), now healed (since he's hosting meals), possibly healed by Christ. His house was the venue for one of the New Testament's most significant non-miracle scenes: Mary's anointing for burial.
📖 Key Scripture
Matthew 26:6 — "Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper."
Matthew 26:7 — "There came unto him a woman having an alabaster box of very precious ointment."
Matthew 26:13 — "Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her."
Mark 14:3 — "And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christianity often skips Simon the Leper; his house framed one of Christ's most extravagantly commended moments.
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If he was a former leper, his hosting of Christ at dinner was an act of worship and gratitude. The man who once could not enter clean society now hosted the cleanest Man in history.
The household's implication: gratitude for healing produces hospitality. Those most aware of what Christ has done for them are most ready to host Him — literally or in His ministers (Mt 25).
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew Shimon.
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Hebrew Shimon — from shama, to hear.
Note: distinct from many other Simons in the New Testament (Peter, Zealot, of Cyrene, Magus, sorcerer, tanner, etc.).
Usage
"Gratitude for healing produces hospitality."
"His house framed one of Christ's most extravagantly commended moments."
"The man who once could not enter clean society hosted the cleanest Man in history."